Gripping mitt system for water sports

ABSTRACT

A gripping mitt system for water sports is provided that incorporates a water proof mitt that fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The mitt is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene and has a Hook and loop material such as velcro incorporated into the palm side of the mitt. The handle of a paddle has an opposite “hook and loop” material surrounding the handle. When the paddle is in use, the hook and loop material on the palm of the mitt and the hook and loop material on the handle provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of devices that assist physically disabled people to achieve superior results in spite of their physical disability. The instant invention generally relates to sports devices that aid individuals having physical disabilities to participate in sports activities in a superior fashion in spite of their physical disability. This invention more specifically relates to a gripping mitt system to be utilized in conjunction with paddles for water sports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some individuals have impaired hand gripping abilities. The impaired hand gripping ability may be the result of an accident, or nerve damage, or muscle damage or sickness, or arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome, or a stroke, or Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis, or overuse of a hand, or other reasons or combinations thereof, etc.

Many individuals that have impaired hand grips are unable to fully participate in sports related activities because they are unable to adequately grasp handles of sports related devices. Examples of such as sports related handles include canoe and/or kayak paddles.

Often a person with an impaired hand grip may be able to participate in a sports related activity if it were not for the impaired hand grip. The problem of impaired hand grip may be tho only reason a person can not enjoy sports related activities such as paddling a canoe or paddling a kayak.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention, gripping mitt system for water sports, incorporates a water proof mitt that fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The mitt is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene and has a Hook and loop material such as velcro incorporated into the palm side of the mitt. The handle of a paddle has an opposite “hook and loop” material surrounding the handle. When the paddle is in use, the hook and loop material on the palm of the mitt and the hook and loop material on the handle provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.

It is an object of the invention to provide a mitt gripping system that assists someone with impaired gripping abilities in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.

It is an object of the invention to provide a mitt gripping system that is easy to place onto and take off a hand of a user.

It is an object of the invention to provide a mitt gripping system that is relatively easy to manufacture.

It is an object of the invention to provide a mitt gripping system would be rugged and reusable.

It is an object of the invention to provide a mitt gripping system that would not be affected by getting wet and drying out repeatedly.

It is an object of the invention to provide a mitt gripping system that would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

It is an object of the invention to provide a mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle with sufficient gripping forces so that tasks such as paddling a canoe can be done despite the gripping handicap.

It is an object of the invention to provide a mitt gripping system that is ergonomically designed to assist the user in gripping tasks and also will provide a comfortable fit.

It is an object of the invention to provide a mitt gripping system that could be easily made to fit many different hand sizes.

It is an object of the invention to provide a mitt gripping system that would enable the user to easily let go of the handle of a sports related device, if so desired.

It is an object of the invention to provide a mitt gripping system that would enable a variety sports related handles to be securely retained in a users hand even if the user has impaired gripping abilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above and other objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The dorsal side of the mitt is shown and the users fingers surround the handle.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The dorsal side of the mitt is shown and the users fingers and thumb are extended.

FIG. 4 is a side view a mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The side view of the mitt is shown and hook and loop section on paddle handle is shown.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the hook and loop material on the paddle handle of a mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.

FIG. 6 is a view a mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The palm side of the mitt is shown and the section of hook and loop material.

The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when the drawings are studied in conjunction with reading the following description and also reading the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In keeping with the requirements of Patent Laws there is described herein below the best mode of the invention that is currently known to the applicant. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to FIGS. 1-6 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The preferred design embodies the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference number 10 will be described.

FIG. 1 is shown generally at 10 is a side view of the mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt 12 fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt 12 is made of a waterproof material such as nylon covered neoprene and has a back side or dorsal side 13 and a palm side 14. The gripping mitt 12 also has a thumb opening 16 for the thumb 17 of a user, a finger opening 18, for the fingers 19 of a user, and a wrist opening 20 for the wrist of a user 21. The gripping mitt has side stitching 22 and side stitching 23 (not shown). The gripping mitt 12 has a hook material 24 such as velcro incorporated into the palm side 14 of the mitt. The handle 28 of a paddle has an opposite loop 32 material surrounding the handle. When the paddle is in use the hook and loop material 24 on the palm 14 of the gripping mitt 12 and the hook and loop material 32 on the handle 28 provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle.

Shown generally at 40 in FIG. 2 is a top view of a mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The dorsal side 13 of the mitt 12 is shown and the users fingers 19 and thumb 17 surround the handle 28. The gripping mitt 12 is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene. The gripping mitt 12 has a thumb opening 16 for the thumb 17 of a user, a finger opening 18, for the fingers 19 of a user, and a wrist opening 20 for the wrist of a user 21. The gripping mitt 12 is made of two pieces of nylon covered neoprene and has side stitching 22 and side stitching 23 that fasten the dorsal side 13 to the palm side 14. The gripping mitt 12 has a Hook and loop material 24 such as velcro incorporated into the palm side 14 of the mitt (not shown). The handle 28 of a paddle has an opposite “hook and loop” 32 material surrounding the handle (not shown). When the paddle is in use the hook and loop material 24 on the palm 14 of the gripping mitt 12 and the hook and loop material 32 on the handle 28 provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle.

Shown generally at 50 in FIG. 3 is a top view of a mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The dorsal side 13 of the mitt 12 is shown and the users fingers 19 and thumb 17 are extended. The gripping mitt 12 has a thumb opening 16 for the thumb 17 of a user, a finger opening 18, for the fingers 19 of a user, and a wrist opening 20 for the wrist of a user 21. The gripping mitt 12 has side stitching 22 and side stitching 23. The gripping The gripping mitt 12 has a Hook and loop material 24 such as velcro incorporated into the palm side 14 of the mitt (not shown). The handle 28 of a paddle has an opposite “hook and loop” 32 material surrounding the handle (not shown). When the paddle is in use the hook and loop material 24 on the palm 14 of the gripping mitt 12 and the hook and loop material 32 on the handle 28 provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle.

Shown generally at 60 in FIG. 4 is a side view of a mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The side view of the mitt 12 is shown and hook and loop section 32 on paddle handle 28 is shown. The gripping mitt 12 has a thumb opening 16 for the thumb 17 of a user, a finger opening 18, for the fingers 19 of a user, and a wrist opening 20 for the wrist of a user 21. The gripping mitt has side stitching 22 and side stitching 23 (not shown). The gripping mitt 12 has a Hook and loop material 24 such as velcro incorporated into the palm side 14 of the mitt. The handle 28 of a paddle has an opposite “hook and loop” 32 material surrounding the handle 28. When the paddle is in use the hook and loop material 24 on the palm 14 of the gripping mitt 12 and the hook and loop material 32 on the handle 28 provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle handle 28.

Shown generally at 70 in FIG. 5 is a top view of the hook and loop material 32 on the paddle handle 28 of a mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The strap that has the hook and loop material can be removable from the handle of the paddle. If the strap is removable, the strap would have a sticky backing of some type of rubber material to prevent the strap from slipping on the shaft of the paddle. Alternately the strap with the hook and loop material could be permanently fastened to the handle of the paddle with some type of waterproof glue or other bonding agent, etc.

Shown generally at 80 in FIG. 6 is a palm side view of a mitt gripping system that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The palm side 14 of the mitt 12 is shown and the section of hook and loop material 24. The gripping mitt 12 has a thumb opening 16 for the thumb 17 of a user, a finger opening 18, for the fingers 19 of a user, and a wrist opening 20 for the wrist of a user 21. The gripping mitt has side stitching 22 (not shown) and side stitching 23. The gripping mitt 12 has a Hook and loop material 24 such as velcro incorporated into the palm side 14 of the mitt. The handle 28 of a paddle has an opposite “hook and loop” 32 material surrounding the handle. When the paddle is in use the hook and loop material 24 on the palm 14 of the gripping mitt 12 and the hook and loop material 32 on the handle 28 provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this mitt gripping system is unique and clearly provides a simple solution to an impaired grip problem.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this mitt gripping system assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this mitt gripping system assists someone with impaired gripping abilities in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this mitt gripping system that is easy to place onto and take off a hand of a user.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this mitt gripping system that is relatively easy to manufacture.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this mitt gripping system would be rugged and reusable.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this mitt gripping system would not be affected by getting wet and drying out repeatedly.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this mitt gripping system would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this mitt gripping system assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle with sufficient gripping forces so that tasks such as paddling a canoe can be done despite the gripping handicap.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this mitt gripping system is ergonomically designed to assist the user in gripping tasks and also will provide a comfortable fit.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this mitt gripping system could be easily made to fit many different hand sizes.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this mitt gripping system would enable the user to easily let go of the handle of a sports related device if so desired.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this mitt gripping system would enable many sports related handles to be securely retained in a users hand even if the user has impaired gripping abilities.

This invention having been described in its presently contemplated best mode, it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous, variations, modifications, modes and embodiments within the ability of those skilled in the art and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of this invention.

Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. It should be understood that the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the following claims. What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is: 

1. A sports related gripping mitt comprising: a mitt shaped to fit over a human hand including an opening that encircles the wrist of a user when a hand of a user is inserted into said mitt; an opening for four fingers to extend therethrough; and an opening for a thumb to extend therethrough; said mitt having a palm side; and a dorsal side; said mitt made of a flexible waterproof material; said palm side of said mitt having a fastening means incorporated thereon.
 2. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said fastening means is hook and loop material.
 3. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said fastening means is hook material.
 4. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt is made of a neoprene material.
 5. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt is made of a nylon covered neoprene material.
 6. The sports related gripping mitt of claim including a strap that has fastening means incorporated thereon; said strap designed to be fastened around a handle of a sports related device.
 7. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 including a strap with hook and loop material incorporated thereon; said strap designed to be fastened around a handle of a sports related device.
 8. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 including a strap that has loop material incorporated thereon; said strap designed to be fastened around a handle of a sports related device.
 9. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt is made of two pieces of material that are stitched together to form said mitt.
 10. A sports related gripping mitt comprising: a mitt shaped to fit over a human hand including an opening that encircles the wrist of a user when a hand of a user is inserted into said mitt; an opening for four fingers to extend therethrough; and an opening for a thumb to extend therethrough; said mitt having a palm side; and a dorsal side; said mitt made of a flexible waterproof neoprene material; said palm side of said mitt having hook and loop material incorporated thereon.
 11. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 10 wherein said mitt is made of nylon covered neoprene material.
 12. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 10 including a strap with hook and loop material incorporated thereon; said strap designed to be fastened around a handle of a sports related device.
 13. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 10 including a strap with loop material incorporated thereon; said strap designed to be fastened around a handle of a sports related device.
 14. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 10 wherein said mitt is made of two pieces of neoprene that are stitched together to form said mitt.
 15. A sports related gripping mitt system comprising: a mitt shaped to fit over a human hand including an opening that encircles the wrist of a user when a hand of a user is inserted into said mitt; an opening for four fingers to extend therethrough; and an opening for a thumb to extend therethrough; said mitt having a palm side; and a dorsal side; said mitt made of a flexible waterproof material; said palm side of said mitt having hook and loop material incorporated thereon; a strap with hook and loop material incorporated thereon; said strap designed to be fastened around a handle of a sports related device.
 16. The sports related gripping mitt system of claim 15 wherein said mitt is made of a neoprene material.
 17. The sports related gripping mitt system of claim 15 wherein said mitt has hook material incorporated thereon and said strap has loop material incorporated thereon.
 18. The sports related gripping mitt system of claim 15 wherein said strap can be securely attached to said handle, and said strap can be detached from said handle.
 19. The sports related gripping mitt system of claim 15 including a paddle; said strap being securely attached to said paddle handle.
 20. The sports related gripping mitt system of claim 15 including a paddle; said strap being permanently attached to said paddle handle. 